Miniature die-casting machine

Abstract

A die-casting machine for the production of miniature die-cast parts of the type having a parting line and a plurality of cores includes a frame member having a plurality of tie bars and a first movable platen on one side of a parting line and a second movable platen on the opposite side of the parting line. The movable platens are slidably received by the tie bars and a pair of lever arms are provided wherein a first lever arm supports the first movable platen and a second lever arm supports the second movable platen. The die block is arranged into two halves about its own parting line such that one half is mounted to the first movable platen and the other half is mounted to the second movable platen. The particular arrangement of lever arms enables the die block to be positioned relative to the remainder of machine such that an arrangement of six retractable cores can be utilized as part of the die-cast part wherein there are three coaxial pairs configured for movement along conventional X, Y and Z axes. The positioning of the die block relative to the remainder of the machine is such that the total of six cores can be machine introduced without interference.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A die casting machine for the production of a cast part from a two-half die of the type having a parting line and wherein the cast part includes a plurality of cores, said machine comprises: a frame member including two substantially parallel tie bars disposed in a center plane of the machine and a first movable platen disposed on one side of said parting line and a second movable platen disposed on the opposite side of said parting line, said movable platens being slidably received by said tie bars;   a pair of lever arms wherein a first lever arm supports said first movable platen and a second lever arm support said second movable platen;   a die block arranged into two halves disposed on opposite sides of a die parting line, both halves being positioned remote from said center plane, one half mounted to said first movable platen and the opposite half mounted to said second movable platen;   an arrangement of retractable cores cooperatively arranged with said die block wherein there are a plurality of coaxial pairs, configured for movement along conventional axes; and   the positioning of said die block relative to the remainder of said die-casting machine being such that the total of six cores can be machine-introduced.   
     
     
       2. The machine of claim 1 wherein said arrangement of retractable cores includes three coaxial pairs configured along conventonal X, Y and Z axes. 
     
     
       3. The machine of claim 2 wherein one of said retractable cores is designed and arranged to only partially retract prior to die half separation whereby the cast part is impaled on said core for automatic part-stripping. 
     
     
       4. The machine of claim 3 which further includes a rotary indexing wheel having a plurality of stations, each station providing a core structure which is virtually identical to the one of said cores upon which the cast part is impaled. 
     
     
       5. The machine of claim 4 wherein said die block is fixed in position during thermal expansion of the die block by an arrangement of a plurality of slots and keys wherein the slots are located on conventional X and Y axes. 
     
     
       6. The machine of claim 4 wherein the die halves are closed by a force applied co-planar with said center plane. 
     
     
       7. The machine of claim 6 which further includes adjustable force balance means cooperatively arranged with one of said lever arms and disposed on one side of said center plane, said die block disposed on the opposite side of said center plane. 
     
     
       8. The machine of claim 7 which further includes an injection system for molten metal including an extension tube and nozzle, said nozzle having a nozzle tip adapted to fit within said die block. 
     
     
       9. The machine of claim 8 wherein said die block includes an inlet and channel for delivery of molten metal, said inlet and channel having a diamond-square shape for ease in parting of the die block. 
     
     
       10. The machine of claim 1 wherein one of said retractable cores is designed and arranged to only partially retract prior to die half separation whereby the cast part is impaled on said core for automatic part-stripping. 
     
     
       11. The machine of claim 10 which further includes a rotary indexing wheel having a plurality of stations, each station providing a core structure which is virtually identical to the one of said cores upon which the cast part is impaled. 
     
     
       12. The machine of claim 1 wherein the die halves are closed by a force applied co-planar with said center plane. 
     
     
       13. The machine of claim 12 which further includes adjustable force balance means cooperatively arranged with one of said lever arms and disposed on one side of said center plane, said die block disposed on the opposite side of said center plane. 
     
     
       14. The machine of claim 1 which further includes an injection system for molten metal including an extension tube and nozzle, said nozzle having a nozzle tip adapted to fit within said die block. 
     
     
       15. The machine of claim 14 wherein said die block includes an inlet and channel for delivery of molten metal, said inlet and channel having a diamond-square shape for ease in parting of the die block. 
     
     
       16. The machine of claim 15 wherein said injection system further includes a plurality of glass beads strung on resistance wire and wound in a double-pitch spiral as part of said nozzle. 
     
     
       17. The machine of claim 1 wherein said die block is fixed in position during thermal expansion of the die block by an arrangement of a plurality of slots and keys wherein the slots are located on conventional X and Y axes.